Interview with Dr. Liang DONG
Vol.11 Issue 1 / Interview 1“We are loyal fans of Shimadzu’s mass spectrometers.”
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Liang DONG from the Chinese National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement (CNEAC), with whom we’ve had a long-standing collaboration since 1996. During our conversation, we explored the important work they’re doing to protect the environment, including CNEAC’s mission, the challenges they face with PFAS analysis, and China’s innovative approach to emerging pollutants.
Dr. Liang DONG, thank you very much for spending some time for this interview. First, could you provide an overview of Chinese National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement’s mission and the role your laboratory plays in ensuring envi-ronment safety?
The Chinese National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement (CNEAC) was founded in 1984 and is affiliated with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. It’s currently managed by the China-Japan Friendship Center for Environmental Protection. The center mainly focuses on developing environmental test-ing methods for new pollutants, characteristic pollutants, and complex samples. It also plays a key role in support-ing ecological and environmental monitoring and spe-cialized investigations, while providing technical support for quality control in environmental testing organiza-tions. Additionally, CNEAC conducts research on methods for assessing environmental damage and offers related technical services. CNEAC is home to the Ministry’s Key Laboratory for Dioxin Pollution Control. In recent years, the center has really leveraged its expertise in emerging pollutants. It has provided sig-nificant technical support for pilot monitoring and pollution pre-vention efforts. This includes creating standard analysis methods for new pollutants, conducting investigations, tracing sources, evaluating risks, and supporting pol-lution control in key river basins and other areas.
Could you share some insights on China’s current approach to environmental protec-tion, particularly regarding water quality and soil pollution?
China’s environmental protection efforts are centered around three major battles – “Blue Sky,” “Clear Water,” and “Clean Land.” These focus on air, water, and soil pollution control. Significant progress has been made in tackling air pollution, particularly in reducing PM2.5 levels. In terms of water pollution, notable strides have been made, especially in eliminating black and odorous water bodies. However, soil pollution remains a major chal-lenge, particularly when it comes to investigating and managing contaminated land, especially for construction purposes. The national soil pollution survey completed in 2019 showed that the rapid pace of economic develop-ment has left many gaps in soil pollution control. As cities expand, industrial and mining businesses located on the outskirts have been shut down or relocated, with the land now being repurposed for commercial and residen-tial development. Therefore, investigating and managing soil and groundwater contamination has become a key priority in China’s environmental protection agenda. The government is also paying increasing attention to the management of emerging pollutants.
PFAS is a significant global concern. What innovative technologies and strategies are being implemented in your country to en-hance water quality protection?
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment places great im-portance on the management of emerging pollutants like PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS. In the “List of Key Control New Pollutants” (2023 edition) released at the end of 2022, one of the most critical groups of compounds is PFAS. Currently, the “Sanitary Standards for Drinking Water” (GB5749-2022) set the limits for PFOA and PFOS at 80 and 40 ng/L, respectively. The upcoming revision of the “Surface Water Environmental Quality Standards” (GB3838-2002) will likely include new limits for PFOA and PFOS. In addition to PFOA and PFOS, the concentration of PFHxS in some surface waters is also showing an upward trend, which is something that deserves attention.
How do you anticipate these advancements will impact the environment and public health in the coming years?
Due to the near non-degradability of perfluorinated com-pounds, and the fact that some PFAS precursors can transform into PFAS, it is crucial to conduct targeted in-vestigations and monitoring in key regions and water-sheds. This will help assess the environmental and public health risks associated with PFAS. Strengthening control at the source is the fundamental solution. As the use of compounds like PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS is phased out, the residual levels of PFAS in China are expected to de-crease, resulting in a lower overall risk to both the envi-ronment and public health.
Which Shimadzu instruments are cur-rently being used in your laboratory for PFAS analysis, and what are their primary applications?
We use the Shimadzu HPLC/MS/MS8050. This instrument is primarily employed for the development of analytical methods for PFAS, antibiotics, and brominated flame re-tardants. It is also used in the monitoring and investiga-tion of PFAS in key regional watersheds and environmental areas. Shimadzu’s mass spectrometers are highly reliable. CNEAC also owns a series of Shimadzu instruments, in-cluding the GCMS-QP5000, GCMS-QP2010, GCMS-QP2010 Plus, GCMS-QP2010 Ultra, GCMS-QP2020, and GCMS- TQ8050 for various other analyses.
What are some of the key challenges you face in your daily operations, and how do you address them?
The most significant challenge in PFAS analysis is the complicated and time-consuming sample preparation. This step is not only labor-intensive but also frequently results in low recovery rates and high blanks. Our team consistently works to improve and refine the process to mitigate these issues.
What advancements or improvements would you like to see in your industry?
I would like to see further improvements in the sensitivity of HPLC/MS/MS systems. Additionally, the ability to per-form direct injection On-line SPE analysis would greatly simplify the sample preparation process. This would be a significant breakthrough for environmental testing professionals.
We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with you and the National Environmental Analysis and Testing Center for over 10 years. How has this long-term partnership influenced your work, and what are some of the key outcomes from it?
Our collaboration with Shimadzu began in 1996, follow-ing the establishment of the China–Japan Friendship Center for Environmental Protection (hereafter referred to as the “Center”). At that time, we joined the “Environmental Monitoring and Management in East Asia” international coopera-tion project initiated by the United Nations University, which aimed to conduct research and analysis on trace organic pollutants in the environment. This proj-ect was sponsored by Shimadzu Corporation, and over the 20 years of cooperation, it played a crucial role in ad-vancing our analytical technologies for persistent organic pollutants and other trace organic substances.
On June 29, 2011, we officially launched the “CNEAC-Shimadzu Environmental Protection Cooperative Research Laboratory,” marking the beginning of a trusted and supportive technical partnership. Through this coop-erative laboratory, we’ve leveraged our respective strengths to deepen our collaboration. This has included active exchanges in technology and personnel training, resulting in significant research outcomes, such as the de-velopment of standard analytical methods for persistent organic pollutants.
We’ve successfully co-developed several key analytical methods, including:
● “Determination of PBDEs in Water Quality by GC/MS” (HJ 909-2017)
● “Determination of PBDEs in Soil and Sediment by GC-MS” (HJ 952-2018)
● “Determination of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Their Salts in Water Quality by Isotope Dilution/LC-MS/MS (Triple Quadrupole)” (HJ 1333-2023)
● “Determination of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Their Salts in Soil and Sediment by Isotope Dilution/LC-MS/MS (Triple Quadrupole)” (HJ 1334-2023)
The two sides have successfully organized the “Environmental Research Cooperative Laboratory Technical Workshop” for nine sessions. In 2017, Director Ren Yong of the Center met with Shimadzu President Teruhisa Ueda, and both parties had a productive discussion, agreeing to further strengthen our collabora-tion. In 2018, the Center and Shimadzu signed an agree-ment to enhance communication and cooperation in environmental protection, aiming to complement each other’s strengths and jointly develop new environmental analysis technologies and methods, as well as applica-tions for environmental analysis equipment.
In January 2024, Director Chen Ming of the Center met with Koki Aoyama, the president of Shimadzu China, and both sides agreed to engage in deeper, practical cooper-ation to support high-level ecological environmental pro-tection. At the beginning of 2025, CNEAC and Shimadzu renewed the agreement for the Environmental Protection Cooperative Research Laboratory.
Are there any upcoming projects or research areas where you anticipate further collaboration with our company?
Environmental monitoring is fundamental to addressing new pollutants, and it relies on accurate, reliable standard analytical methods. CNEAC looks forward to continuing our collaboration with Shimadzu in the development of standard analytical methods for new pollutants, such as antibiotics and brominated flame retardants, further con-tributing to the improvement of the overall system for new pollutant standards.
Thank you for sharing your insights and feedback. We are committed to exceeding your expectations moving forward. Thank you very much.
Liang DONG, Ph.D.
Researcher at the National Research Centre of Environmental Analysis and Measurement, Director of the Key Laboratory for Dioxin Pollution Control of MEE, Member of the first National Expert Committee for Hazardous Waste Identification, Leading Talent in National Environmental Protection Field, First batch of training and teaching experts of MEE (Ministry of Ecology and Environment).
Undertaking various scientific research projects, including national key research and development projects, state-funded special proj-ects for innovative methods of the Ministry of Science and Technology, state-funded special projects for the development of major instruments and equipment, pro bono scientific research projects, international cooperation projects, and standard revision projects etc.
Conducting research mainly on various organic pollutants in envi-ronmental media such as soil, water, air, and particulate matter, es-pecially on the analysis and testing of persistent organic pollutants, pollution distribution, residue characteristics, and environmental behaviors.
Having been awarded with many prizes such as the Second Prize of Science and Technology of Environmental Protection twice, the First Prize of Scientific and Technological Progress in Shandong Province, the Third Prize of China Association for Analysis and Testing, the Second Prize of China Instrument and Meter Society. Having published over 100 papers, more than 20 standards, 6 pat-ents, and 5 works.